Christmas Tree Cards

Do you know why we have trees in the house to celebrate Christmas? 

The evergreen fir tree has traditionally been used to celebrate winter festivals (pagan and Christian) for thousands of years. Pagans used branches of it to decorate their homes during the winter solstice, as it made them think of the spring to come. Christians use it as a sign of everlasting life with God. 

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

In 2004, Pope John Paul called the Christmas tree a symbol of Christ. This very ancient custom, he said, exalts the value of life, as in winter what is evergreen becomes a sign of undying life, and it reminds Christians of the "tree of life" of Genesis 2:9, an image of Christ, the supreme gift of God to humanity. 

There are some beautiful folk tales around the origin of Christmas trees, and a fuller history on "Why Christmas?" here. 

There is a fuller article on Christmas Trees later today, at 12 noon.

Card making activity

Below is a Christmas card to download and print out. You could use some glitter and stickers to brighten it up, perhaps have a repeating pattern in the colours you use for the baubles at the top and bottom? 

We would love to see a picture of your finished card, do email a picture to socialmedia@stmaryletower.org.uk and we will feature it on social media! (First names only and a picture of your creation only please.)